Milk Thistle (Mariendistel)
Overview
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seeds contain silymarin — a flavonolignan complex with silybin as the main active component. Mechanisms: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective (membrane stabilization, protein synthesis stimulation). A 2019 safety review confirmed silymarin is well tolerated up to 700 mg three times daily for 24 weeks. Drug interactions are low; minimal CYP450 effects, though caution with narrow-therapeutic-window medications. Cross-reactivity possible in Asteraceae-allergic individuals.
Dosage
200 mg · With meal · Take with food
Key Interactions
7 verified interactions found
Both support liver function through complementary mechanisms. NAC replenishes hepatic glutathione; Silymarin (Milk Thistle) stabilizes hepatocyte membranes and promotes liver cell regeneration.
Combine for liver support. Both can be taken with meals.
View details →Silymarin stabilizes hepatocyte membranes; Curcumin reduces hepatic inflammation via NF-kB. Both support liver health through complementary mechanisms.
Combine for comprehensive liver support. Curcumin with piperine for absorption.
View details →Berberine supports metabolic health but can stress liver at high doses; Milk Thistle protects hepatocytes. Protective combination.
Combine for metabolic support with liver protection.
View details →Silymarin increases hepatic glutathione levels by up to 35%. Supplemental GSH provides direct antioxidant support. Together they maximize liver detoxification capacity.
Combine for comprehensive liver protection.
View details →Milk Thistle protects hepatocytes; Artichoke (Cynarin) stimulates bile production and supports cholesterol metabolism. Complementary liver and digestive support.
Combine for liver and bile health.
View details →Scientific Sources
- PubChem CID:31553 (Silybin)
- Safety and toxicity of silymarin, the major constituent of milk thistle extract: An update... (Phytother Res, 2019 Jun)
- pubmed_ncbi_api
- pubmed_ncbi_api
- NAC + Milk Thistle combination study (PMID:39497389)
- NAC + Milk Thistle combination study (PMID:36129244)
- NAC + Milk Thistle combination study (PMID:24251357)
- Silymarin + curcumin liver synergy (2025)
- Milk thistle + curcumin hepatoprotective (2024)
- Silymarin curcumin liver combination (2025)
- Berberine + silymarin liver combination study (2021)
- Berberine + milk thistle hepatoprotective review (2023)
- Berberine silymarin liver synergy (2023)
- Milk Thistle + Glutathione combination study (PMID:28222401)
- Milk Thistle + Glutathione combination study (PMID:22445624)
- Milk Thistle + Artischocke combination study (PMID:34925799)
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Milk Thistle (Mariendistel) used for?
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seeds contain silymarin — a flavonolignan complex with silybin as the main active component.
What is the recommended dosage for Milk Thistle (Mariendistel)?
200 mg. With meal. Take with food.
Does Milk Thistle (Mariendistel) interact with other supplements?
Milk Thistle (Mariendistel) has 7 verified interactions. Top: NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cystein), Curcumin.
When is the best time to take Milk Thistle (Mariendistel)?
With meal. Take with food.
Is Milk Thistle (Mariendistel) safe to combine with other supplements?
Always check interactions before combining supplements. Use VitalStack to verify your full stack for free.
Check how Milk Thistle (Mariendistel) fits your full stack
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